• Product
  • Suppliers
  • Manufacturers
  • Solutions
  • Free tools
  • Knowledges
  • Experts
  • Communities
Search


Synchronous Reactance and Synchronous Impedance

Edwiin
Field: Power switch
China

Synchronous Reactance and Impedance Principles

Synchronous reactance (Xₛ) is an imaginary reactance used to represent voltage effects in the armature circuit, arising from both the actual armature leakage reactance and air gap flux variations due to armature reaction. Similarly, synchronous impedance (Zₛ) is a fictitious impedance that accounts for voltage effects from the armature resistance, leakage reactance, and air gap flux changes caused by armature reaction.

The actual generated voltage comprises two components: the excitation voltage (Eₑₓₑc), which would be induced by field excitation alone in the absence of armature reaction, and the armature reaction voltage (Eₐₚ), which reflects the impact of armature reaction. These voltages are combined to quantify the effect of armature reaction on the generated voltage, expressed as:Ea = Eexc + EAR.

The voltage induced in the circuit due to flux changes from armature current is an inductive reactance effect. Thus, the armature reaction voltage (Eₐₚ) is equivalent to an inductive reactance voltage, expressed by the following equation:

The inductive reactance (Xₐₚ) is a fictitious reactance that generates a voltage in the armature circuit. Consequently, the armature reaction voltage can be modeled as an inductor connected in series with the internally generated voltage.

In addition to armature reaction effects, the stator winding exhibits self-inductance and resistance. Let:

  •  = self-inductance of the stator winding

  •  = self-inductive reactance of the stator winding

  •  = armature stator resistance

The terminal voltage  is expressed by the following equation:

Where:

 

  • Ra Ia = armature resistance voltage drop

  • Xa Ia = armature leakage reactance voltage drop

  • XAR Ia = armature reaction voltage

Both armature reaction and leakage flux effects manifest as inductive reactances in the machine. These combine to form a single equivalent reactance known as the machine's synchronous reactance XS.

The impedance ZS in Equation (7) is the synchronous impedance, where XS denotes the synchronous reactance.

Give a tip and encourage the author!

Recommended

Why Must a Transformer Core Be Grounded at Only One Point? Isn't Multi-Point Grounding More Reliable?
Why Does the Transformer Core Need to Be Grounded?During operation, the transformer core, along with the metal structures, parts, and components that fix the core and windings, are all situated in a strong electric field. Under the influence of this electric field, they acquire a relatively high potential with respect to ground. If the core is not grounded, a potential difference will exist between the core and the grounded clamping structures and tank, which may lead to intermittent discharge.I
01/29/2026
Understanding Transformer Neutral Grounding
I. What is a Neutral Point?In transformers and generators, the neutral point is a specific point in the winding where the absolute voltage between this point and each external terminal is equal. In the diagram below, pointOrepresents the neutral point.II. Why Does the Neutral Point Need Grounding?The electrical connection method between the neutral point and earth in a three-phase AC power system is called theneutral grounding method. This grounding method directly affects:The safety, reliabilit
01/29/2026
Voltage Imbalance: Ground Fault, Open Line, or Resonance?
Single-phase grounding, line break (open-phase), and resonance can all cause three-phase voltage unbalance. Correctly distinguishing among them is essential for rapid troubleshooting.Single-Phase GroundingAlthough single-phase grounding causes three-phase voltage unbalance, the line-to-line voltage magnitude remains unchanged. It can be classified into two types: metallic grounding and non-metallic grounding. Inmetallic grounding, the faulted phase voltage drops to zero, while the other two phas
11/08/2025
Composition and Working Principle of Photovoltaic Power Generation Systems
Composition and Working Principle of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Generation SystemsA photovoltaic (PV) power generation system is primarily composed of PV modules, a controller, an inverter, batteries, and other accessories (batteries are not required for grid-connected systems). Based on whether it relies on the public power grid, PV systems are divided into off-grid and grid-connected types. Off-grid systems operate independently without relying on the utility grid. They are equipped with energy-s
10/09/2025
Send inquiry
+86
Click to upload file
Download
Get the IEE Business Application
Use the IEE-Business app to find equipment, obtain solutions, connect with experts, and participate in industry collaboration anytime, anywhere—fully supporting the development of your power projects and business.